Nation’s Highest Honor Awarded to Vermont Historical Society
BARRE, VT – November, 2007 – Vermont Historical Society is one of only ten organizations to receive the 2007 National Medal for Museum and Library Services, the nation’s highest honor for community service provided by museums and libraries. The annual award, made by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) since 1994, recognizes institutions for outstanding social, educational, environmental, or economic contributions to their communities.
“This is a remarkable achievement for the Society,” noted Executive Director Kevin Graffagnino, “We were delighted when we heard the news, and we’re grateful to Senator Sanders for nominating the Society.”
L-R: First Lady Laura Bush, VHS Executive Director Kevin Graffagnino, VHS Trustee Lyn Blackwell, IMLS Executive Director Anne Imelda Radice
“I nominated the Vermont Historical Society for this award in part because the Vermont Historical Society does an excellent job preserving Vermont’s rich history," said U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT). “But it does far more than preserve the past. It uses its exhibits to connect present-day Americans, and in particular the citizens of Vermont, with the traditions of our wonderful state. Groups across the nation can learn from the society’s innovative outreach program connecting people with their history. The Vermont Historical Society is, and should be, a model for bringing the fruits of research to the general public, and reaching out beyond museum walls to make sure our common heritage is available to all.”
“The Vermont Historical Society continues to provide a tremendous public service to Vermonters and communities throughout the state. Their continued commitment to making Vermont’s rich historical traditions accessible to so many Vermonters, young and old, is truly remarkable,” said U.S. Representative Peter Welch (D-VT). U.S. Senator Patrick Leahy (D-VT) noted that “As a Vermonter, I am extremely proud of the services that the Vermont Historical Society provides to our state. This award is well deserved, as it commends the Society for its exemplary work in preserving Vermont’s heritage.”
“As the primary source of federal funding for the nation's libraries and museums, the Institute of Museum and Library Services is proud to honor institutions that have dared to set high goals for community service and to attain them," said Dr. Anne-Imelda M. Radice, IMLS Director. “These museums and libraries have listened to their communities, heard their needs, and responded. They make a real difference.”
Vermont Historical Society has a long tradition of leadership and public service, supporting Vermont’s local historical societies and publishing little known aspects of the state’s history. In recent years, however, the Historical Society has launched a number of ambitious programs to bring Vermont’s heritage to the general public. “Many people don’t realize how cutting edge our state historical society is,” stated Sarah Dopp, President of Vermont Historical Society. “The annual Vermont History Expo, the award-winning museum exhibit in Montpelier, the school programs, the online library catalog and exhibits – they are all quite innovative,” stated Dopp. “Other states often see VHS programs as models they can duplicate.”
“This award honors the work of many people, including volunteers, employees, local societies, trustees and our donors,” Graffagnino said. “The Vermont Historical Society will schedule an event to pay tribute to their outstanding achievement.”
The other award recipients are: Birmingham Civil Rights Institute in Alabama; Chicago Zoological Society in Illinois, Georgetown County Library in South Carolina; Kim Yerton Memorial Library in California; Memphis Public Library in Tennessee; National Museum of Women in the Arts in Washington, DC; The Newberry Library in Illinois; Ocean County Library in New Jersey; and Oregon Museum of Science and Industry in Oregon.
For more information on the Vermont Historical Society, the Vermont History museum and other programs, go to www.vermonthistory.org.
About the Institute of Museum and Library Services
The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation’s 122,000 libraries and 17,500 museums. The Institute's mission is to create strong libraries and museums that connect people to information and ideas. The Institute works at the national level and in coordination with state and local organizations to sustain heritage, culture, and knowledge; enhance learning and innovation; and support professional development. To learn more about the Institute, please visit www.imls.gov.
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Left to right: Mrs. Laura Bush, Director J. Kevin Graffagnino, community member Marilyn Blackwell, and IMLS Director Anne Radice.
